Firefighter students earn awards and recognition

(Bradenton, FL—February 16, 2022) The Manatee Technical College Fire Science Academy presented awards and certificates to graduating firefighter students in class 48 on February 15, 2022.

Grayson O’Hara earned two awards: one for highest academic achievement and one for practical skills performance with 100%. Isaiah Cress won the award for fastest combat challenge time.

De’Ja Dowdell was recognized for being the only one in the class to have also earned the Florida EMT and Paramedic certifications.  She was one of five women in the class.

The class of 22 has a 100% pass rate on the practical portion of the state certifying exam.  When they pass the written portion of exams, they will be certified as firefighters in the state of Florida.

The celebration was held in the Dr. Priscilla Haflich Auditorium at MTC’s East Campus.  Class member Jesse Herrera was chosen to address the class.  The class motto was, “Being the best we can be when people are at their worst.”